Patch Candidate Profile: Adrienne Burke For Easton Selectman

EASTON, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.

Candidate's Name:
Adrienne Burke

What office are you seeking?
Selectman

What town do you live in?
Easton

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:
Unaffiliated, Endorsed by Democrats

Occupation:
Owner and operator of Greiser’s Coffee & Market

Family:
I married Jeff Foster, owner of Jeff Foster Landscapes, in our Easton backyard in 2015. Together we have 2 adopted dogs, 9 nieces and nephews, and extended family in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Massachusetts, California, Florida, Virginia, and Texas.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Treasurer Easton Library Board of Trustees

Why are you seeking this office?
I'm passionate about serving our community and helping to preserve all that's great about the town of Easton. In my 7 years running a community gathering spot, I've come to understand the major issues we face, and the values we share across political lines.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Changing land use. Ensure that the views and desires of our constituents come to bear on town zoning regulations and enforcement and that rules are clarified for property owners and buyers so as to avoid conflict, abuse, and misinterpretation.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
In 2024 I was honored to be presented with the first Robert Lessler Citizenship Award for "outstanding service to the town of Easton, Connecticut, in improving the lives of our citizens through exemplary acts fostering the common good." My private sector endeavors as well as my work on the Library Board have brought our diverse community together. I'm proud to have the support in this race of Democrats, Republicans, Independents and unaffiliated voters like myself, and I seek to represent all of their views in town government. I have held numerous leadership positions in business -- as chief editor of three magazines and as owner of a food business with 16 employees -- as well as director roles in academia (at the Yale School for Engineering) and a nonprofit (The New York Academy of Sciences).

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
1. Easton has a vibrant arts and music scene with many talented and accomplished artistic citizens. I believe the town can do more to support the arts as a way to bring our community together.
2. With our farms, network of hiking trails and open spaces, churches, clubs, excellent senior center, and policies designed to support senior citizens, Easton has proven to be a place where people can thrive well into old age. I'd like to see our town do more to promote our appeal as a mini "Blue Zone."

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Understanding the needs and desires of the electorate is the most important role of any elected official. My career spent interviewing, understanding, and translating the complex issues facing scientists and business owners was a great training ground for listening to voters.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature ... Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." – Helen Keller

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am unaffiliated with a political party. I was honored to be asked by the Republicans to run for their seat on the Library Board in 2019. Today I am honored to be included on the Democrat ticket as Nick D'Addario's running mate.